After testing positive for COVID-19, both Jose Martínez and Yonny Chirinos returned to Tropicana Field and made their Summer Camp debuts this past weekend. The Tampa Bay Rays are closer to full strength thanks to their return.
Martínez tested positive on intake testing at the beginning of July, and even though he missed all of Summer Camp, he is confident he could be ready by Opening Day. If not, he said it shouldn’t be long after that.
Martínez said over a Zoom call with the media that aside from a day when he felt cold-like symptoms, he was largely asymptomatic. Even so, he maintained protocol and quarantined for two weeks.
The most important thing is that I was in shape before this. For me, I would 100 percent feel bad if I do something wrong and go out to the gym or whatever or something to get some people involved in this process.
— Jose Martínez
Martínez, who also said he felt close to being game-ready before the start of Summer Camp, got in some cardio on Saturday and some reps in the field and in the batting box on Sunday.
But this is the stuff that I’ve been doing for my whole career and I think I actually know my body pretty well and know that I have people here that know more than me about how to get people ready and in shape. …The goal is step by step and hopefully of course the idea is to be there for Opening Day but if not of course body-wise if it says no, you have to pay attention of course
— Jose Martínez
Chirinos also missed the first two weeks of Summer Camp due to a positive COVID-19 test on intake testing.
The right-hander said he dealt with mild symptoms for about a week, although he is thankful that his symptoms were never severe. Throughout his quarantine, Chirinos worked out at his St. Petersburg home, where he was able to do some cardio and lift weights to keep him in game-ready condition.
I feel good physically. I consider myself, with how I’ve been preparing myself, that I’m ready to pitch whenever I’m asked.
— Yonny Chirinos
Despite the two-week absence — and that Chirinos hasn’t thrown a bullpen session or in a simulated game — Rays manager Kevin Cash indicated he believes the right-hander will be ready by July 24th.
It should be noted: Chirinos was one of the 18 or so players that attended voluntary workouts before the start of Summer Camp, which is what gives the team confidence he can easily slot back into the rotation.
I think we envision Yonny, if all goes well, he’ll be able to slot somewhere in the back of our rotation. He’ll be able to do a pretty good job of giving us length. It’s fair to assume that he’s similar to where Glasnow was when he came back, so he’ll be OK.
— Yonny Chirinos
As of Monday, the Rays have just three players who appeared to be away from the team: Randy Arozarena, Brendan McKay, and Austin Meadows.
Meadows acknowledged that he tested positive for COVID-19 last week and, consequently, has been placed on the Injured List. Arozarena has not been seen at all since the start of camp, while McKay was last seen on July 6.
The team has not commented on why players were absent, or even if they were working out of sight. Teams have been told not to comment on COVID-19 related issues due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) concerns unless a player gives explicit permission.
Rays Bullpen Dominant on Monday
According to Juan Toribio (MLB.com), the Rays bullpen was dominant during an intrasquad scrimmage on Monday.
One of the reasons the Rays are a popular pick to dethrone the Yankees in the American League East is because of the pitching staff, particularly the bullpen. That was put on display again on Sunday, with Diego Castillo, Pete Fairbanks, Nick Anderson, and Aaron Loup all tossing scoreless frames in a simulated game.
“I’m just happy to be behind the whole pitching staff of this team,” Rays infielder José Martínez said with a smile. “These guys are so good.”
— Juan Toribio
Charlie Morton Tabbed to Open on Friday
On Saturday, Cash officially tabbed right-hander Charlie Morton as the Opening Day starter for Tampa Bay.
I think it’s pretty fair to assume that Charlie will pitch Opening Day for us. We’re at the mercy of so many different things … but Charlie is in a good spot, and when we get to Opening Day, in all likelihood, it’ll be him. I certainly hope it is him.
— Kevin Cash
Morton, who will make his first Opening Day start in his 13-year big-league career, said that the decision means a lot to him.
It took a long time to have the opportunity to do it, but it does mean a lot. It’s one of those things where you’d like to experience it at least one time, kind of like being an all-star, like you kind of want to experience it just one time. It’s just a shame because no one’s going to be allowed to watch it (in the stands). That would have pretty sweet, but to get the ball on Opening Day is a real honor.
— Charlie Morton
While the rotation after Morton hasn’t officially been set, it would appear that Blake Snell will start next Saturday against Toronto, with either Tyler Glasnow or Ryan Yarbrough set for the series finale on Sunday, and Chirinos either Tuesday or Wednesday against Atlanta.